If God is all-knowing, why did He regret making humans (Genesis 6:6)? Definition and Context Genesis 6:6 states: “And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” This verse often raises a question: If God knows all things perfectly from eternity, how could He experience regret or sorrow over an action He foreknew? This entry explores the meaning of the phrase “the LORD regretted” within its scriptural context and in relation to the overall teaching of Scripture concerning God’s unchanging nature, His omniscience, and His response to the moral downfall of humanity before the great Flood. 1. The Language of Regret in Scripture God’s “regret” in Genesis 6:6 does not negate divine omniscience. The underlying Hebrew verb often translated as “repent” or “regret” (נָחַם, nacham) can convey the idea of grief, sorrow, or a “change in dealings” rather than a newfound surprise or mistake. The nuance of nacham includes the concept of being moved to sorrow by the actions of others. Scripture uses human language, including anthropopathisms (the ascription of human emotions to God), to help readers grasp elements of His character. This does not mean God’s knowledge or plans are subject to revision due to unforeseen outcomes (cf. 1 Samuel 15:29: “Also the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind…”). It is rather a way to communicate the depth of divine feeling over human sin. 2. The Unchanging Nature of God Elsewhere, Scripture plainly affirms that God’s essence and character are unchanging: • Malachi 3:6: “Because I, the LORD, do not change…” • Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” From these verses, we learn that the phrase “the LORD regretted” does not imply a shift in God’s eternal perspective or knowledge. Instead, it expresses the intensity of His righteous sorrow at the rampant wickedness (Genesis 6:5) that had overtaken humanity. 3. Grief Over Human Rebellion Genesis 6:5 explains the cause of this regret: “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.” Humanity, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), turned away so completely that violence and corruption became the norm (Genesis 6:11–12). When Genesis 6:6 says God was “grieved in His heart,” it highlights His personal and profound sorrow over human rebellion. This moral collapse prompted divine judgment through the Flood. Yet even within that judgment, God communicated grace and redemption through Noah (Genesis 6:8–9). 4. Divine Foreknowledge and Human Responsibility The Bible consistently reveals that God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). Therefore, the circumstances that led to the Flood did not catch Him by surprise. However, humanity’s rebellion is still a genuine moral choice; no one is forced to sin against God. Because humans are moral beings, our wrongful actions genuinely grieve Him. Passages such as Ephesians 4:30 teach that God can be “grieved” by sin; this does not compromise His foreknowledge but highlights the personal nature of His relationship with creation. Even though He knew in advance that humanity would fall into sin, God still bears real sorrow over evil. 5. Harmonizing God’s Emotion with His Omniscience Some might wonder why an all-knowing God experiences regret if all events are known beforehand. One way to reconcile this is by noting that divine “regret” in Scripture portrays God’s consistent hatred of sin and His moral response to it. He does not operate mechanistically simply because He foreknows events. • The Flood narrative (Genesis 6–8) demonstrates that God’s response to sin—showing both justice and mercy—is deeply personal. • Throughout the Old Testament, descriptions of God’s regret or sorrow show His moral character: He stands against evil while offering redemption to those who seek Him (Ezekiel 18:32). Thus, His “regret” underscores the true emotional dimension of God’s interactions with humanity, without negating His unchanging wisdom and sovereign plans. 6. The Flood as a Historical Event Outside documents and archaeological findings, including ancient Mesopotamian flood accounts (e.g., the Epic of Gilgamesh), suggest that a colossal flood event is embedded in the cultural memory of numerous civilizations. While these extra-biblical accounts contain mythological elements, they corroborate Genesis in preserving the real event of a massive flood. Archaeological research in Mesopotamia has revealed layers of flood silt in multiple city ruins, indicating a wide-scale flood in that region. Such findings support the historical plausibility of the biblical text. The Scripture’s record of the Flood (Genesis 6–8), transmitted through reliable copies (as evidenced by manuscript discoveries and textual scholarship), stands firm as an authentic account. 7. Purpose of the Regret in Genesis The “regret” in Genesis 6:6 serves several theological themes: 1. Moral Clarity: It distinguishes God’s character from the sinfulness of humanity, emphasizing that God is holy and just, and holds us accountable. 2. Consequence of Sin: It reveals the severity of human evil at that time. The regret centers on human depravity, pushing toward a decisive divine act—to cleanse the earth through the Flood. 3. God’s Heart of Redemption: Even the judgment of the Flood made a way for salvation (through the ark) and foreshadowed the ultimate salvation in Christ. It highlights a pattern: humanity sins, God responds in both justice and rescuing grace. 8. Practical and Devotional Implications • View of Sin: Recognizing that sin grieves God should heighten our understanding of its destructive nature. • Confidence in Scripture: The narrative’s consistency with both internal biblical testimony and external archaeological sources bolsters confidence that the Bible accurately conveys historical truth. • Hope in Redemption: God’s regret in Genesis 6:6 lays a foundation for understanding His merciful interventions—most fully expressed in the gospel of Jesus Christ (John 3:16). • Relationship with God: Rather than being distant, God is engaged with His creation, responding with righteous sorrow to sin and offering pathways to reconciliation. 9. Conclusion The statement that “the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth” (Genesis 6:6) reflects God’s profound sorrow over humanity’s descent into widespread evil. Far from contradicting His omniscience, it highlights His holy nature and personal involvement in His creation. The language of “regret” conveys how deeply human sin grieves our Creator, indicating a moral and relational response rather than a change in His eternal plan. In the broader biblical tapestry, we see that God remains consistent: He is unchanging in His holiness and offers redemption even in the midst of judgment. In the Flood account, He preserved a remnant through Noah, pointing forward to an ultimate salvation found in Christ. This Scripture reminds us that although God fully knows all decisions humans will make, His sorrow over sin is genuine, His judgment is just, and His mercy is extended to all who turn to Him. |
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